Newbie Questions # 2

[madpad]

Thanks for the answers on the first one. Bear with me as I try to see the process before I jump in. Do you guys setup a tank with a "Fishless Cycle" or the longer method? When getting gravel from an lfs where do you put it? With the other gravel or hang it in the tank? Im setting up a 55 gal and Im very green. Anything else I should be on the look out for?  Thanks in advance

[mrfootball70]

mad..you may want to pick a book on the basics..check your local fish store and pick up a
magazine or two..the net is good for info but having a book to refernce is a lil' better..good luck

[Matt Nace]

This is all you need.
http://faq.thekrib.com/begin.html

I have done fishless twice. Both times they took a while to cycle for me.

I still , even though I dont all the time, cycle with fish and plants. I figure the plants provide a place for bacteria to grow on, plus the can use up some ammonia if it gets to high. I always go with a very small fish load, or a gradual one.

Use filter media from another tank to seed it.

The gravel from a established tank can be placed in the filter, if you have room. If not with the other gravel will work.

Decide what you want your tank to to be, then you can decide what you need for it.

Will it be a peaceful or aggresive community?
A species only tank?
A planted tank?
A tank with large fish?
 Decide what you want then decide what you need to accomidate the fish.

Another good website is http://www.notcatfish.com/core/index.htm or http://homepage.ntlworld.com/faustus/nicoldaquaria/